Who would have guessed that the food court with the most interesting cuisine in Toronto is located inside the Downsview Park Merchants Market, a flea market next to Downsview Airport?
Located at 40 Carl Hall Road, the market is home to merchants hawking used stereos and $5 T-shirts. But the gem of the market is its International Food Court, which is billed as an "international food festival every weekend."
There are no chains in this food court. The businesses are family owned, and weekend-only hours and cheap rents (around $650 a month) mean that many of the patrons are dabbling in the restaurant business while holding down other jobs during the week.
Pupuseria Delicias (below) sells made-to-order pupusas for $2.50. These Salvadoran thick corn tortillas are stuffed with beans, meat, cheese or zucchini and spinach. They also sell tamales with chicken or elote (corn). Wash it down with horchata, a milky sweet drink made with cinnamon.
Comida Ecuadoriana serves Ecuadorian fare such as empanadas and ciccarones, a thick cut of pork that is similar to bacon. When the owner, Catalina (below), isn't at the market, she's working at her Ecuadorian restaurant, Latin Flavour (4040 Steeles Ave. West). "I can't afford to advertise in the newspaper, so this is a good way to advertise my restaurant," says Catalina.
Soon, another enthusiastic customer comes up to offer his praise the restaurant. "Ecuadorian food takes a long time to make but it's quick to eat," he says.
Read the second part of Spice City's visit to Downsview Market.
Read the second part of Spice City's visit to Downsview Market.
Thanks to Jennifer Hollett for the photos and to Gilbert for the tip.
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